Lillian Love - the creator of Love Hats.
Unique and artistic hats and headpieces that are aimed at women who enjoy the confidence that a one-of-a-kind piece has to offer.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

How to Make Silk Flowers - The first bit - stiffening the fabric...

I am currently making roses for a wedding headpiece for a lovely bride. Step one in the process is to choose the fabric and stiffen the fabric.

Fabric Stiffening Recipe for Silk Flowers
This recipe was given to me during a millinery workshop conducted by fabulous Australian milliner Neil Grigg. Thanks Neil this recipe is a cracker!

1. 420ml water– bring to boil in a saucepan
2. Mix together 20ml of cornstarch/cornflour with 20ml of water – it will make a thin paste
3. Pour cornstarch paste into the boiling water
4. Keep stirring until the mixture boils and thickens
5. Add 40ml of PVA glue – hold high and trickle in while continuing to stir until all is combined
6. Pour into a glass bottle and cool before use
7. This will keep about 7 -10 days.

Use a paintbrush to apply to fabric. Peg onto line and wait until fabric is dry and becomes stiff.

Here are some petals cut out from stiffened fabric. The brass tools are used in the next step.

Hello - on the wrong side if there is a definite pattern on the fabric. The fabric needs to be fairly saturated so it will soak through anyway. As you can see I am irregular blogger so I hope this information is still useful to you.